Various non rugby specialists have contacted me this week asking why Italy are currently bottom of the Six Nations table.
Patiently I have described the introduction a few years back of a bonus point if you lose by seven points or fewer and the awarding of a try bonus if you score four tries or more.

All fine and dandy but they are right – it doesn’t feel right that Italy with two defeats but an away draw in France are currently placed sixth and last behind Wales who have recorded three straight defeats. A system that produces such a standing is inherently wrong.

We do have a failsafe at ...